Good Morning

I've noticed that many excellent early aviation modelers choose brass colored instrument face rings when modeling their instrument panels. On the other hand, the few photos I find of instrument panels seem to show the instrument rings in black or aluminum color. Color photos of the Memorial Flight Association's restoration of an original C.VI has black instrument rings, and I suspect they are aluminum.

So, my question to the experts is, were the instrument face rings on early aeroplanes brass, or aluminum?

All of the above...and steel too quite likely. different instruments need different cases, cost, weight etc all must have played a part....but brass looks nice.

Remember also that a lot of instrumentation back then
had black laquered brass fittings.
capnjock

Please,please please,does anyone know what should go into the two seater Etrich Taube D2???

Each manufacturer of gauges and instruments used what they had in stock & supply. Each was different.

Oil pulsometer, water temp, compass and maybe a clock.

Thankyou for your reply,does there exist a PE for these? in 1/32?

Thankyou all for the replys.

I've looked through other color photos and come to the realization that black faced instrument cases seem to be the most common. Whether they are steel, aluminum, or lacquered brass is anyones guess. But, as far as modeling goes, I think Kieth's four word quote above, hits it on the nail.

Guy